Demand Probe into Death of Five Engineers, Aid Habila
The Obidient Movement has challenged Minister of Works David Umahi to provide evidence linking Peter Obi to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), while demanding fresh investigations into the disappearance and reported deaths of five engineers in Ebonyi State and the death of a female medical aide attached to the former governor.
The movement described Umahi’s allegation against Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for 2027, as unfounded and challenged the minister to substantiate his claims.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Communications, Onyeka Dike, the group argued that IPOB had publicly distanced itself from Obi’s presidential ambition in 2022.
It cited statements reportedly issued by the separatist organisation in July and August 2022 rejecting Obi’s political campaign and criticising his participation in Nigerian politics.
“Support for Peter Obi is not proof of membership in IPOB,” the movement said, insisting that political support should not be interpreted as evidence of affiliation with the organisation.
The group also cited Obi’s public condemnation of violence associated with enforced sit-at-home orders in the South-East, arguing that Umahi should provide verifiable evidence rather than make allegations against the former Anambra governor.
Beyond the political dispute, the movement called for renewed investigations into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of five engineers working with NELAN Consulting Engineers in November 2021, when Umahi was governor of Ebonyi State.
According to the statement, the engineers disappeared following a disagreement with Umahi. The group alleged that the former governor subsequently announced that they had been killed.
It demanded a transparent investigation to establish what happened to the engineers and provide answers to their families, who it said deserved clarity over the case.
However, the movement did not present fresh evidence linking Umahi to the engineers’ disappearance or reported deaths.
The group also called for an update on the investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old member of Umahi’s medical team who died at his residence in Ebonyi State on June 27, 2026.
It recalled that the police had announced an investigation and indicated that a post-mortem examination was necessary to determine the cause of death.
Expressing concern that the case had faded from public attention, the movement urged the relevant authorities to disclose the progress made in the investigation.
It did not provide evidence establishing any wrongdoing by Umahi in connection with Habila’s death.
The Obidient Movement also expressed concern over persistent insecurity in the South-East, citing killings, threats and disruptions to businesses and community life.
It referenced an alleged attack in Ebonyi State involving Rollins Offia Nwali, the NDC House of Assembly candidate for Ezza South Constituency.
The statement claimed that security operatives killed some of the alleged attackers but provided no further details to independently establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The group maintained that political disagreements should not distract public officials from addressing insecurity and responding to legitimate questions about their records.
It urged Umahi to substantiate his allegation against Obi and called on the relevant authorities to ensure transparent investigations into the cases involving the five engineers and Habila.
“The Obidient Movement will not be distracted by attempts to demonise its supporters,” the statement said, reaffirming its commitment to accountability, citizens’ rights and security.